Hormonal imbalances have a sneaky way of showing up in all the places we wish they wouldn’t—like our skin and hair. When the body’s hormones shift even slightly, breakouts can flare, and hair might start thinning in ways that feel unpredictable and unfair. These changes are frustrating, especially when the solutions feel confusing or overly complicated. But there are gentler, more natural ways to support the body as it works to find balance again. Working with nature instead of against it can often make a real difference, especially when guided by those who understand how all the systems of the body connect.
Natural remedies aren’t about magic pills or overnight fixes. They focus on giving the body what it needs to function at its best—through nutrition, support for the nervous system, hormonal balance, and gentle detox. When paired with expert insight, like what’s offered at Avena Health, these remedies become part of a long-term plan that makes sense for real life.
Support Hormone Balance Through Nutrition
Food plays a larger role in hormone health than many people realize. The body uses nutrients as building blocks to make hormones, repair skin tissue, and support hair follicles. If it doesn’t have the right fuel, systems start to go off course. A diet high in sugar or processed oils, for example, can lead to insulin spikes and inflammation, which may trigger breakouts and slow down hair growth.
Eating to support hormones means keeping blood sugar steady, which helps lower the burden on the adrenal glands. It also supports the liver, which is key for breaking down excess estrogen and clearing it from the body. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale help this process naturally. Foods rich in zinc—like pumpkin seeds and lentils—can also help reduce acne by calming the skin and keeping oil glands in check.
Fiber is another key player here. It binds to excess hormones in the gut and helps move them out before they’re reabsorbed. When digestion is slow or irregular, hormone levels can swing more dramatically. For many, small changes in the kitchen can have a ripple effect that shows up in both the skin and the mirror.
Sometimes nutrition alone doesn’t bring everything back into balance. That’s when seeking naturopathic consultations in San Diego can make sense. It gives people a chance to better understand what their body is asking for and how to respond in a way that supports lasting change
Reduce Stress and Soothe the Nervous System
Hormonal balance depends on how calm or chaotic life feels behind the scenes. When stress levels stay high, the body prioritizes cortisol production—its main stress hormone—over everything else, including sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Over time, this can lead to irregular cycles, breakouts, and hair loss, especially around the temples or part line.
Stress management doesn’t always mean quitting your job or taking a month-long vacation. Often it’s the small things, done consistently, that help shift the body into a more balanced place. That might mean adding magnesium-rich foods to meals, prioritizing sleep, or creating a bedtime routine that includes stretching or deep breathing. Even gentle walks outdoors can lower cortisol and help regulate the nervous system.
For people who feel like they’ve “tried everything” and still wake up tired or break out before every period, it may be time to go deeper. Stress can hide in the body, creating hidden inflammation that doesn’t always show up on a lab test. Working with naturopathic doctors in San Diego offers a more complete look at how stress may be affecting the skin, hair, and hormones—without relying only on prescriptions or temporary fixes.
Botanical adaptogens can also be helpful here. These are herbs that help the body respond better to stress. Ashwagandha, holy basil, and rhodiola are popular choices, and they’ve been used for generations to support adrenal function and promote calm. But herbs work best when they’re tailored to a person’s unique makeup, which is why professional guidance matters.
Use Gentle Herbal Support to Target Skin and Scalp
Herbs offer a natural way to support the skin and hair without disrupting the body’s natural rhythms. Unlike harsh topicals or prescriptions that may cause side effects, herbs work from the inside out. They help correct the root causes of hormonal imbalance rather than just masking the symptoms.
For hormonal acne, herbs like chasteberry (also known as vitex) are often used to support progesterone levels and help regulate the menstrual cycle. Spearmint tea has gained attention for its ability to reduce testosterone levels in women, which can help with chin or jawline breakouts. Burdock root and red clover are two others often used in skin-clearing formulas because they support the liver and lymphatic system, helping clear the skin naturally.
For hair thinning, saw palmetto is often suggested because it may help block the conversion of testosterone into DHT, the form of the hormone that can shrink hair follicles. Nettle root and horsetail may also support hair regrowth by nourishing the scalp and improving circulation.
Even when using herbs, it’s important to remember that not every herb is right for every person. Hormonal imbalances are highly individual, and that’s where the team at Avena Health really shines. Their approach is about understanding the whole person—not just offering generic remedies. A full intake, labs when needed, and support from people trained to see patterns that others might miss can make a huge difference in finding the right herbal support.
Explore Advanced Natural Therapies Like IV Nutrition
Sometimes, the body needs a little more than tea and supplements. That’s where more intensive, natural therapies can step in to help. IV therapy in San Diego has become a sought-after option for those who need fast nutrient delivery—especially when digestion is impaired or when nutrient stores are very low.
IV therapy offers a way to infuse the body with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants directly into the bloodstream. This can be especially helpful for supporting detoxification, boosting energy, and reducing inflammation—all important factors when dealing with skin and hair problems linked to hormones. Ingredients like vitamin C, B-complex, and zinc are common in IV formulas focused on skin health, while biotin and amino acids can support stronger hair growth.
For people who have tried everything from drugstore creams to hormone replacement therapy with little relief, IV support can feel like a reset button. It gives the body what it’s been missing—quickly and effectively. And when done under the care of professionals who understand how nutrients interact with hormones, it becomes even more powerful.
Many people choose to pair IV therapy with naturopathic consultations in San Diego, creating a plan that doesn’t just treat the symptoms but supports deeper healing. This dual approach—nutrient restoration and individualized guidance—can make a noticeable impact, especially when conventional methods have come up short.
Restore Balance - Naturally
Hormonal imbalances might be common, but that doesn’t mean they have to take over your skin and confidence. Natural approaches offer another way—one that’s gentler, more respectful of the body, and often more effective in the long run. Hair thinning and acne can improve when the body is given the tools to find balance again.
If you’re ready to explore how your body can heal with natural support, consider connecting with the caring team at Avena Health. They can help guide you through treatments that actually make sense for your life, including personalized herbal care and advanced options like IV therapy. Sometimes, the answers we need are already inside us—they just need the right kind of support to rise to the surface.
Media Credit: All photos licensed from Adobe.
Dr. Laura Kostrzewski, a San Diego native, completed her undergraduate degree at California Polytechnic State University, earning a BS in animal science with minors in Spanish and Psychology. She then earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and taught fifth grade in the central coast of California for two years. After being extremely involved in her grandfather’s journey with Parkinson’s disease and end-of-life care, Dr. Kostrzewski decided to move back to San Diego and enroll at Bastyr University California. Dr. Kostrzewski received her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University California in June of 2019, and then went on to complete her residency at Bastyr. Before AVENA Wellness, DR. K started her own private practice, focusing on management of neurodegenerative conditions, and continued teaching at Bastyr as adjunct faculty, until founding Avena Health.